I sit through many meetings in which safety is discussed. The topics to improve safety often cover metrics, implementation of new programs, management interactions … and the list goes on.
Tripping out drill rods can range from being somewhat tedious to seriously dangerous; not to mention it is also hard, physical work. While sharing the same basic principles of water well, geothermal, foundation and other drilling industries, the processes used for tripping the drilling rods in the oil and gas industries are a different animal altogether.
A quick introduction: When I found out I had the opportunity to contribute to the Tech Topics column for The Driller, I was excited to share the perspective from a provider of drilling services, drilling equipment and performance tooling. I hope that my contribution provides insight to the base of educated readers and drives discussion in the exploration drilling market.
One priority of any professional tradesman is to value and respect the tools, equipment and machinery they operate. This is by no means of any less importance to drillers; it is vital that they keep equipment in peak condition through regular maintenance and servicing.
In the ’70s, after drilling and pushing tools for a few years, I had every roughneck’s dream. Every roughneck I ever met wants to be a fisherman. They see him sit in his truck, making pretty good money, and they trip pipe. That’s gotta be better, right? Sometimes, but not always.
